A 7-2 loss to Okotoks Thursday night has the Regina Red Sox in must win territory in the WCBL final.

Solid pitching for the Dawgs was an issue for the Red Sox, who managed seven hits on the night.

Okotoks starter Nolan Ruff, who pitched a complete game with five strikeouts, admitted he was a bit surprised at his teams strong start after a long bus ride to Regina.

“Yeah I’m a little surprised about it I mean that bus ride is not fun I won’t lie,” he said. “We battle through any stiffness we had and I think we did a great job of showing up,” Ruff said.

Game two goes Friday night at Seaman Stadium in Okotoks, if the Red Sox win a winner take all game three will go Saturday night at Currie Field.